Recently, we had a special overnight guest at the San Diego Zoo’s Jennings Center for Zoological Medicine. Gao Gao, one of our giant Pandas, took a routine “trip to the dentist,” and then had a sleepover with us. This visit involved coordination and communication between many parties: panda keepers, hospital staff, security officers, and construction crews.

Construction crews? Yep. Panda Canyon is going through quite the transformation. The Zoo’s Veterinary Services Department was instrumental in facilitating completion of a major phase in the Panda Trek project. By allowing Gao Gao to remain at the hospital following his scheduled procedure, panda keepers were able to use remote holding areas in the Giant Panda Research Station to house the remaining pandas as far away as possible from the impact of the construction activities.

To safely transport him to the hospital, Gao was injected with an anaesthetic while resting comfortably in his bedroom. Once he was sound asleep, Security Department staff cleared the way, and Gao was whizzed up the hill to the hospital. During a routine exam to assess his overall dental health, Gao received a full dental exam and cleaning. But when an animal is on the table, especially a panda, everything is checked. Head to toe, or in his case, nose to tail! These exams provide great opportunities to follow up on health conditions and to monitor changes that might have popped up over time. Measurements were recorded; radiographs were taken; eyes, ears, and other things were investigated; and nails were buffed…really!

Gao Gao’s keepers came up during his exam to check on the patient, of course, but more importantly to bring up some familiar items and set up his “home away from home.” During his short stay at the hospital, Gao had one inside room and one outside room, along with a tunnel leading to his transport crate. Once his exam was over and our sleepy VIP (Very Important Panda) was awake enough and ready to investigate his overnight accommodations, I gave him access to leave his crate and explore his new space.

Would the red carpet treatment meet his standards? Would he shift back in to his transport crate so he could go home tomorrow? Would he be comfortable enough to take his medicated biscuits and other treats from me? Would he settle in well enough to eat his dinner and get a good night’s sleep? I am happy to answer with a resounding YES to all the above.

Upon release Gao didn’t do too much exploring; he just walked out of his crate like a pro, down the tunnel, took one slow, sauntering lap around the outdoor room, glancing at and smelling things half-heartedly before entering the indoor room, turning around and plopping down in the doorway with his head resting on the threshold. Panda keepers would call to check in, and I’d report that other than “pouting” a little bit, Gao was doing just fine.

Our “house guest” was very well-behaved considering the eventful day he had and the crowd of admirers he drew into the hospital compound. “Panda” was whispered more than once, and I was reminded of the spell that was cast over me when I worked with these magical creatures years ago as a keeper. Maybe it was nostalgia on my part, or maybe he did remember me a little, or maybe he is just a really well-trained panda, but Gao Gao got up and came right over when I called him and was content to sit in his crate and let me hand-feed him.

Once dinner was over, and I started closing up shop, Gao knew it was time to go to bed. He slowly made his way back to his bedroom, curled up in his big pile of shavings and hay, and went to sleep. The next morning, Gao peeked his head out when I greeted him and was soon “reminding” me that he hadn’t had his breakfast yet. “Excuse me, lady. What kind of establishment is this?” I’ll have you know that we start our day at 6:30 a.m., not the usual 6 a.m. of his keepers, so according to him we were already behind schedule! Please forgive us, Mr. Panda, sir.

After he had eaten his breakfast, and once it was confirmed that the construction was done, Gao was called in to his crate and rewarded with some treats and love from his keepers. The crate doors were closed, and after everything was secured we wheeled him onto the back of a truck. Gao knew it was time to head home; he was ready and waiting patiently. But as the truck was pulling away, Gao was looking out the back watching us wave at him. As he rounded the corner to go down the hill and back to his home, Gao moved his head closer to the bars as if to say to his keepers, “Home, James” and to us “Thanks for your Hospital-ity!”

Thank you for the wonderful details! Goa’s nails buffed?! Clean teeth?! He’s all shined up and spiffy! Handsome fellow!!
xo

Lisa in Maine

Posted July 28, 2011 at 12:00 PM

Wow, did I panic for a moment, but what a wonderful story. Very well written and I can picture him waiting impatiently for his breakfast.

So glad to hear he is a healthy, happy, clean (outside and in I would guess) panda man.

Diana S

Posted July 28, 2011 at 12:05 PM

Thanks Kristin! What a wonderful story about our VIP. Isn’t Gao just the greatest?! How wonderful that you were able to interact with him again. I bet he did remember you.

Sandra

Posted July 28, 2011 at 12:12 PM

Great Story, thankyou for sharing our panda daddy’s experience. How touching that he may have remembered you. He is one smart Panda.

Everyone at the SDZ is so compassionate with these beloved animals, it brings a tear to my eyes when I read how they are lovingly cared for.

Lee in Vancouver

Posted July 28, 2011 at 1:10 PM

Thanks Kristin for sharing this with us. I started smiling at the beginning and it just kept getting bigger and bigger the more I read. He is such a good boy. Nothing seems to bother him very much and he does appreciate everything all the staff do for him. It is nice to see that the staff also are pandaholics like the rest of us.

Danielle, NY

Posted July 28, 2011 at 1:12 PM

Great story!! I see that it was more than just a visit to the dentist when I asked about the shaved square on his tummy!
What about a “Cheese Please” picture to show his clean teeth!!
Did someone think about checking his webbed toes??

Deborah M. Brewer

Posted July 28, 2011 at 1:28 PM

I loved this story!! Gao is such a great panda!! Thanks for sharing, and I am glad Gao Gao is in great health

Kim

Posted July 28, 2011 at 1:40 PM

What a great story!! Thanks for sharing.

Jennifer

Posted July 28, 2011 at 2:12 PM

Great story on the King of pandas. Glad he had a great dental and physical exam and he came out Perfect! Was there any question at all that Gao is the stud panda of all time.

Sharon in Fort Worth

Posted July 28, 2011 at 2:34 PM

“nails were buffed”

Gao got a pawdicure? That’s what I call a full service hospital.

Frances in NY

Posted July 28, 2011 at 2:37 PM

I was hoping they would check his toes too.

Since Su Lin’s cub is in the nursery, perhaps they could check his toes before they give him back to her?

Bobbie Wood

Posted July 28, 2011 at 3:08 PM

This truly was a pleasure to read! Gao Gao is such a sweetie! You all take such GREAT care of all the beautiful creatures at the SDZ, and the stories/videos in which you describe your wonderful work create a learning experience each and every time!

Karen

Posted July 28, 2011 at 3:50 PM

Loved your story Kirstin on Gao Gao at the dentist and his all over exam. Glad everything is great with Daddy Panda.

patricia

Posted July 28, 2011 at 4:10 PM

what a great little story! thanks:)

Danielle, NY

Posted July 28, 2011 at 4:23 PM

Yes, I would love to see a picture of those webbed toes!! If Bai Yun gets another cub this year, I hope the keepers will take a picture before the hair grows and hides those famous webbed toes…

Kathy

Posted July 28, 2011 at 5:04 PM

That’s our boy – what a great story about Gao Gao. He, of course, would be the best patient any doctor could have.
Thanks for this wonderful narrative!!

deb90566

Posted July 28, 2011 at 5:27 PM

Please don’t scare me like that! When I read “hospital” and “panda” in the same title my tummy does frightened flip flops! I’m so happy my dear Mr. Gao Gao got a clean bill of health and was such a popular guest at the animal hospital; he’s such a gentleman. I’m also thrilled at the obvious evidence that Gao is one lovingly spoiled guy!

Deborah (No. Calif.)

Posted July 28, 2011 at 6:26 PM

I’ve always thought Gao Gao was a truly mellow fellow, but now I know for sure. I don’t think I would have been so calm and cool through such an ordeal! Of course, you folks at the SDZ give all your charges such great care that this wasn’t really an ordeal at all — just an amazing adventure for our panda poppa. Thanks so much for sharing this wonderful story with us…

Rose N

Posted July 28, 2011 at 7:05 PM

Hi Kirstin – I thoroughly enjoyed your very entertaining blog. I’m so happy that GaoGao passed his physical with flying colors. I am amazed that you were able to move him with minimal stress to the point where, in reading your blog, it seems like he actually enjoyed the transition and had a mini vacation.

Yun Zi

Posted July 28, 2011 at 7:06 PM

‘Hello, Papa, Ning hao!’

‘Hey, son, thanks for calling. What’s up?’

‘Papa, I heard you had a vacation at the zoo hospital. Was it a nice place? Was there a swimming pool?’

‘Son, it is a hospital not a hotel. I went in for dental work and a full body check up.’

‘Oh, I was hoping for a stay at the hospital too. AJ says the nurses are cute and they feed you well.’

‘Well, I was out most of the time. They made me sleep for the examination. I had my own private room though and did not have to share with another animal. I wouldn’t have minded meeting the giraffes or the hippos. Long time since we had a chat.’

‘WOWEEE, did it hurt?’

‘No, they scaled my teethfies so they are now white and I had a clawdicure. And they trimmed my fur for an ultrasound. The hooman did a good job. Thank goodness my fur grows back fast.’

‘So Papa, they did not find anything wrong with you? You are fine?’

‘Yes, I am good for a few more Spring Salsas, hee hee.’

‘Coool, and I can have a few more brothers and sissies!’

‘Well, that is up to your Mama and no one can make her do what she does not want to do, I have been married to her for more than 8 years now. I know my woman.’

‘Papa, I heard that you may have to help an auntie panda get a baby. Is that true?’

‘Nope. I want to be faithful to my lady love. Wont be right. Anyways I don’t like travelling far from my family and home.’

‘I see. Yes, Mama may get upset and when she is upset she can be a force to be reckon with.’

‘She is a panda tornado, a hurricane. I will not tangle with her then. I just eats my shoots and leaves and nap. Happy camper.’

‘Papa, I luv you and can you help me plan my birthday party? I want you to sing.’

wow the more I read the more I could see the love in your writing. What a caring
person you are and all of the staff at SDZ. Everytime I read a blog, I can it.
When I saw the caption I almost panic, but I should know by now that all is well
in Panda land.

Thank you for such a great report and all is fine
lu

GRAMMMIE

Posted July 28, 2011 at 8:09 PM

It is Super-Duper nice to see that just like us Panda-Nuts, experienced staff can be just as spell bound to see and read personality from the looks and actions of our lovely Pandas. It is also nice to know there is a flow of love, rather than “a job to be done”, because of love the job is fun making a heartwarming experience for all of us, the Zoo, The Pandas and Us…..Love AutnieGrammmie

GRAMMMIE

Posted July 28, 2011 at 8:19 PM

Jennifer-Dear-I am sorry to have to make a small correction-but the last I heard our darling Gao Gao is an Emporer. Or maybe he is a King Panda but Emperor of out hearts…..Love Auntie Grammmie

I was touched when I read this one. Love the Gao Gao, so cute. Hope I can see it personally.

Susan

Posted July 28, 2011 at 8:59 PM

I loved reading your story Kirsten! It was great hearing about Gao Gao and his exam. Your passion for caring for your charges really shines through.

Judy G

Posted July 28, 2011 at 9:22 PM

Thanks for the wonderful story!! What a mellow guy our Daddy panda is. How nice that you got to be with him again.

Carolyn

Posted July 28, 2011 at 10:58 PM

Kirstin, he couldn’t have received better treatment if he
stayed at the “Ritz”! Very fun story. What a great patient!

Aleksandra Lisewska

Posted July 29, 2011 at 5:13 AM

Dear Kirstin,
Thank You for this very emotional story ! You can take it as evidence that animals can get in very strong relationship with people. And that animals are really grateful. I am glad to hear that GG is in good condition.
Regards to panda-community from Aleksandra

Vicki from IA

Posted July 29, 2011 at 7:10 AM

Ditto… what a great story, made my day.

Danielle, NY

Posted July 29, 2011 at 7:23 AM

Jin Zhu has given birth today, July 29, to a cub at Hetaoping in semi-wilderness. Jin Zhu is one of the five potentially pregnant female pandas that were transferred to Hetaoping in March to participate in the reintroduction program. In early July she was transferred to a semi-wild enclosure. Jin Zhu is the third female panda to give birth at Hetaoping after Su Lin on July 7, and Xi Xi (also known as Qian Qian) on July 8. It is interesting to see that Jin Zhu has chosen to give birth in the open air, like Cao Cao did nearly a year ago.

Jin Zhu has a funny history as it was thought at birth that “she” was a “he” and Jin Zhu was send along with Tan Tan to Kobe in 2000. Jin Zhu and Tan Tan never show any interest in mating with each other. Jin Zhu, called Kou Kou in Japan, was send back to Wolong in 2002. Eventually in 2005 the scientists observed that Jin Zhu’s ovaries where not well positioned and she had an operation. In 2007 she gave birth to female twins Jin Xin and Jin Yi.
www(dot)chinapanda(dot)org(dot)cn/blog.php?id=867

Dianna from Ohio

Posted July 29, 2011 at 9:00 AM

I love the part where his keepers kept calling to check on him…Thanks for the blog!

Yun Zi

Posted July 29, 2011 at 9:21 AM

Dear Jade,

I am able to write this to you cos thanks to you my paw has regained its strength. Unfortunately due to the rains we have not been able to meet up and play. I have been practising my calligraphy. My lao shi says I am getting there.

I enjoyed the yan cakes your Mama sent over. They were a great afternoon treat. Mama had some and she would like to have the honour of having your Mama’s recipe.

When the weather improves I am thinking of taking a trip to the Cloud Lake. Would you and Lady Lin Ping like to come along? I am going to ask Fu Hu and maybe Xi Lan. Oh yes, you can ask Lady Hao Hao too. It will be fun to paddle boats on the Lake and go for walks into the village.

We can go for about 3 days after my birthday. Mama’s family has a small villa there. Tell me what you think.

May the Panda God bless you and enrich you!

Your friend,
Yun

Joanna in California

Posted July 29, 2011 at 9:36 AM

I’m glad Gao Gao is doing so well. He’s an awesome panda

Moderator: I was planning on visiting the zoo next month when the new exhibits are done. Is there any chance that they will be ready by Yun Zi’s birthday next week or will it take longer to finish? Thank you!

Moderator’s note: Panda Trek will not be ready in time for Yun Zi’s birthday as we had hoped.

Mae was from NJ

Posted July 29, 2011 at 9:38 AM

We all enjoy reading about Gao Gao, the “little” panda who could!

Was the construction of the new panda exhibit the impetus for this checkup?
Since he had to be moved, use this opportunity to do a physical? If so, will the other pandas have a checkup? Perhaps not Bai Yun if she might be pregnant?

GRAMMMIE

Posted July 29, 2011 at 9:45 AM

Good Morning Darling Yunior—-I just read about your chat with Papa, it was nice of you to check on him. When I heard he had his paws cleaned and shined I wondered if he had four nice nail ladies working on them, while he lay back on silken cuchions, and flirted a little since the medicine for the tooth cleaning made him a bit sleepy—maybe you could find out for me???
I tuned into the Panda cam this morning just in time for the Bai Yun Sleeping demonstration, followed by both Mama and Papa eating their Bamboo. A very nice Meercat did a wonderful job of getting nice close up pictures of your pretty mama and handsome papa—you must be proud of them.
I hope to get to see you later, but since I stayed up all night I need to sleep today. Not to worry, I slept all day yesterday. Maybe some day you will make me an honerary Panda for a day—that would be fun for me. You just keep on being Handsome and happy….Love AuntieGrammmie

GRAMMMIE

Posted July 29, 2011 at 10:00 AM

Thank you Danielle, NY that was interesting reading and pictures added on. I would miss these things if you guys did not put them here on the blog…Love AuntieGrammmie

pandamama

Posted July 29, 2011 at 11:45 AM

Wow! It looks like Gao is ready for a date! I’ve always wondered if pandas ever get their teeth cleaned and this blog answered my question. I’m so glad that Gao is doing well and hope the rest of our furry friends fare as well. Thanks for such a well written blog! Keep up the good, ’em GREAT work you’re all doing for these wonderful creatures. God makes no mistakes…He certainly didn’t when He created pandas!

Dianne in Texas

Posted July 29, 2011 at 3:19 PM

Kirstin, thank you for this report of Papa Gao’s checkup. It is one of the sweetest and most satisfying tales. You seem to have had the perfect patient. Of course, perfect pandas make perfect patients. 😉 Great read. And thank you, Papa Gao, for being the perfect subject of this blog.

Deborah (No. Calif.)

Posted July 29, 2011 at 3:26 PM

The description of Gao’s behavior in the hospital makes me realize that not only was he a panda patient, he was also a patient panda… 😉 Gotta love him!

kat wilson

Posted July 29, 2011 at 4:15 PM

Very sweet accounting, Kristin. Thank you!

Anne Rosales

Posted July 29, 2011 at 6:36 PM

Kirstin, you always make me feel like I’m right there, getting a glimpse of all the cool stuff you do! I’m thankful for loving people like you taking such good care of all the furry, and feathered, (& etc,) friends there at the SDZ! Thank you for what you do, and for sharing your experiences!

Anne in NYC

Posted July 31, 2011 at 6:10 AM

Wow! What a trip. There are sure to be some adventues with the cut-ups in the group – no need to point them out; we and they know who they are.

Mary

Posted July 31, 2011 at 7:23 AM

What a sweet story. Gao Gao is such a good cubby. We love him.

Virginia Spiegler

Posted July 31, 2011 at 11:10 AM

Thanks Kristin for the sweet and funny tale of Gao Gao’s little adventure. Strong teeth are needed especially by Panda’s, so cleaning is necessary. I am sure Gao Gao remembered you. Pandas have a loving nature.What a time was had by all concerned.!! These tidbits are so important for all of us Pandalovers.

Marie (Montreal)

Posted August 1, 2011 at 8:28 AM

kristin, thanks for the wonderful story about our precious Gao. You told it in such an amazing way that I almost felt like I’d been there.

GRAMMMIE

Posted August 2, 2011 at 1:38 PM

Dear Yun Zi–what can you be up to????? If you guys go on your little trip each will have a friend with them, but except for Lady Jade all of the rest of you are cousins. And who will be chaperoning this trip??? I do not think Lady Jade’s mama and papa, or yours either, will let you teenageers go by yourselves. Every mama and papa will be concerned to see that their young one is safe, happy, and not out looking at the stars all alone. Remember it was not so long ago that the Evil Ones tried to hurt you. Let me know how the trip, or the plans for it go. Maybe all of your mamas and papas will go with you to the Yun Lake Palace….Love AuntieGrammmie

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